The first delegation of Azerbaijani athletes left for London to participate in 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad.
At the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the athletes were seen off by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismayil Ismayilov, chief of the sector Mirkamil Rahimov, head of Baku main department of youth and sports Ragif Abbasov and heads of some sports federations.
The next delegation comprising of Azerbaijani athletes will leave for London on July 26, August 2 and 4 respectively.
Ismayilov said Azerbaijani Olympic team for the first time will participate in the Olympic Games in such a large squad. He said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has always given much attention to development of sports in the country. Deputy Minister expressed his confidence the athletes would justify their trust at the Summer Olympic Games in London.
Abbasov noted winner of Beijing Olympiad Elnur Mammadli is the standard-bearer of the team. He noted the cloth for athletes was made by world-known Italian "Ermanno Scervino."
Head of the press-service of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Samaya Mammadova said flag hoisting ceremony of Azerbaijan will take place in Olympic village in London, on July 25. She underlined official opening of the Summer Olympic Games will be held on July 27. The day after "Azerbaijan`s soiree" will be organized in one of the prestigious London hotels with participation of heads of different Olympic committees, representatives of the federations and officials. The participants will familiarize themselves with Azerbaijani cuisine and watch video material on Azerbaijan. The athletes will start competing on July 28.
Azerbaijan will be represented at the Olympiad, which is to take place from July 27-August 12, by 53 athletes in 16 kinds of sports.

AzerTAc